Developing Online Professional Development Platforms for Educators                                                                              

Mutoni Uwase N.

Faculty of Business and Management Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

The increasing need for adaptable teaching methods and professional growth opportunities has pressured educational institutions to transform traditional professional development for educators. This paper examines the development of effective online professional development (PD) platforms, focusing on designing engaging learning experiences, utilizing technology tools, building communities of practice, and addressing challenges such as digital inequity and assessment mechanisms. Through an extensive literature review and empirical analysis across multiple cases, the study highlights critical factors influencing the success of online PD initiatives, including instructional design choices, feedback mechanisms, and community engagement strategies. A comprehensive design framework is proposed to guide the creation of robust online PD environments that foster teacher learning, collaboration, and student achievement. The findings provide actionable insights for educational leaders, instructional designers, and policymakers aiming to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of online professional development programs.

Keywords: Online Professional Development, Teacher Training, E-learning Design, Community of Practice, Instructional Design, Digital Tools for Educators.

CITE AS: Mutoni Uwase N. (2025). Developing Online Professional Development Platforms for Educators. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION 5(2):17-23.  https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJRE/2025/521723